A personal note from Ales!
As I am writing this my son and I are cruising at 38,000 feet on our way back home from a wonderful 16 day stay on the beautiful Hawaiian Islands of Oahu and Kauai. Having lived in Hawaii many years ago, it’s a place I love going back to and each return feels like coming home.
This trip was no different and we’ve experienced many ‘firsts’ on this journey: My son took his first surfing lessons on Oahu’s fabled North Shore, we took an unforgettable cruise along the breathtaking Na Pali coast and we were fascinated by the colorful fish and turtles at Ke’e Beach on Kauai.
What I love about Hawai’i is the amazing array of options and different energies as you drive from one part of an island to another. One moment you can be in the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and 40 minutes later you are able to relax in peace and quiet on the beautiful Malaekahana Beach on Oahu’s North Shore.
Just like anywhere else you travel it is important that you know the different options available as every town, resort and beach will give you a very different experience.
I have been to all 6 of Hawaii’s major islands (Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, Molokai, Lanai) and would be more than happy to help you choose the best option for you.
Feature Article
As the year is coming to an end I am receiving requests for the 2013 Alaska Cruise Season. Having sailed from Vancouver, British Columbia to Seward, Alaska with my son this summer, I realized that it is very important to understand the different options available to cruise the breathtaking Inside Passage.
Each year more and more cruise lines base their ships in the Pacific Northwest to give travelers the experience of a life time. One way and maybe the most convenient way is to begin and end the cruise in the same city which can usually be done from Seattle or Vancouver, though for 2013 you will also have the option to embark in San Francisco.
The other option and my personal favorite, is to embark on a North- or Southbound cruise which begins in the beautiful city of Vancouver, Canada ending in Seward or Whittier and vice versa, depending on the cruise line.
I have personally experienced the Northbound itinerary this summer, which gives you the opportunity to see more of Alaska by extending your journey and adding a few days to see the breathtaking Denali National Park and/or the amazing Kenai Fjords.
Leaving from Vancouver will also give you the additional benefit of cruising along the Inside Passage between the Canadian Mainland and Vancouver Island rather than cruising along the outside on the Pacific Ocean where waves can be much higher and you’ll feel the motion of the ship more.
Each port offers extensive shore excursions and whether it is river rafting down the Mendenhall River or taking a leisurely stroll through historic Ketchikan, you can be sure to find something that will be suitable for every age group. This is one of the reasons why cruising Alaska is such a popular option for multi generational family vacations.
Our itinerary this summer took us from Vancouver all the way to Seward, with stops in Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and an unforgettable morning cruise right next to the breathtaking Hubbard Glacier. Once we arrived in Seward we spend the day exploring the Kenai Fjords and in the evening took the Alaska Railway to Anchorage, an unforgettable 4 hour train ride along lakes, glaciers and pristine wilderness. It is also considered to be one of the world’s 10 most beautiful train journeys.
We ended our journey with a couple of days in Anchorage from where we flew back home to Vancouver. It’s been an absolutely wonderful experience and my 11 year old son wants to do it again next year.
For 2013 some of the cruise lines have become a little more creative with their itineraries. Rather than just visiting the usual ports, which can get crowded when 4 ships are docked, they chose to visit less busy ports, like Sitka, Haines and Hoonah, which are just as breathtaking, rich in culture and beauty as their bigger counterparts.
With so many options it is more important than ever to educate yourself and choose the cruise which will best fit your lifestyle and meet your expectations for a journey of a lifetime. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you make the right choice so that your Alaska Adventure will be an unforgettable one.
A special ‘Thank you’ to Oceania Cruises for the lovely pictures.
About Ales
I’ve been passionate about travel ever since I can remember. Having had the opportunity to travel all around the world for many years it’s my greatest desire to enrich peoples lives in a profound way by creating unforgettable journeys, and give each of my clients the amazing experiences I’ve had throughout my travels.
By allowing me to design your journeys, you can be assured that you will be taken care of from the moment we start planning your vacation until the moment you return. Contact me and let me know where you would like to go or let me help you find the destination that will give you the experience you are looking for.
May all your travels stir your soul and change your life forever – Ales.
